Architect and designer India Mahdavi takes a charming and whimsical approach to redesign of electrical outlets. Mahdavi collaborating with high-end electrical brand 22 System, has reimagined the outlet as a vibrant, joyful accent rather than a background necessity.
Commissioned by 22 System cofounder Omer Arbel—who sought to bring an element of delight to this everyday utility— The result of the collobration is the Smiley, a fluorescent yellow outlet that injects playfulness into an often-overlooked and utilitarian household fixture.
Rather than hiding outlets as most homeowners do, Mahdavi wanted them to stand out—even in the dark. She envisioned them as intentional design elements, adding personality and quirk and charm to a space. Beyond selecting the color, she also crafted a narrative that challenges conventional thinking about electrical outlets, positioning them as more than just functional objects. With the Smiley, Mahdavi turns an everyday necessity into a bold statement—proving that even the smallest details can contribute to a room’s overall aesthetic and mood. “It was about how do you turn something that is not supposed to be seen into something that is really seen,” India Mahdavi.
